Offline

Other Resources

CPA Exam Score Release for 2015

One of the greatest anxieties CPA Exam takers encounter during their taking of the CPA Exam is the reporting of their scores. The exam is already stressful enough and adding the anticipation of receiving scores can make it almost unbearable for many exam takers. Additionally, due to the requirements, exam takers have to adjust their exam schedule so that they pass all four parts within 18 months.

When are CPA Exam scores released?

In an attempt to provide more certainty on when scores will be released – and the overall CPA Exam score reporting process – the American Institute of CPAs released a timetable for the first two quarters in 2012. Before we go into details of the new score reporting timetable, it’s important that you understand the scoring process. While the AICPA may create, administer and grade your CPA Exam, they do not directly provide you the scores. In fact, the AICPA releases the scores to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. This association represents your state board of accountancy, where you registered to take the exam and where you most likely will go on to pursue certification. NASBA then releases the scores directly to the exam takers. So there may be a delay between when the AICPA provides the scores to NASBA and when you receive the score.

What is the target score release timeline?

Day in Testing Window*

Target Release Timeline

Target Q1'12 Score Release

Target Q2'12 Score Release

Day 1 – 20

11 business days following day 20 of the testing window

February 6

May 7

Day 21 – 45

6 business days following day 45 of the testing window

February 22

May 23

Day 46 – Close of window

6 business days following the close of the testing window

March 8

June 8

After Close of Window

6 business days after receiving all scoring data for the testing window

TBD

TBD

* Records received by AICPA. Note: ‘Day in Testing Window’ refers to the date AICPA receives the test result, not the test date. Additionally, some candidates who take the BEC section might receive their scores approximately one week following the target release date due to additional analysis that might be required for the written communication tasks. Scores are generally released during regular business hours.

Basically, if you took a section of the CPA Exam, other than BEC, on February 10 and the AICPA received your graded exam shortly thereafter, your score will be sent to NASBA on February 22. You should be able to obtain the score report from NASBA or your state board of accountancy within 24-48 hours after the release to NASBA, depending on your state board of accountancy’s reporting methodology.

Where are CPA Exam scores found?

Most state boards of accountancy are part of NASBA’s online score retrieval system. As such, most exam takers can login to the system and obtain their scores once they’re posted from NASBA. If your state board of accountancy doesn’t belong to this program, you will most likely have to wait to receive the score report via U.S. Mail.

What’s included in the score report?

CPA Exam score reports include the CPA Exam section name, ID, date of exam, score indicating whether you passed or failed, and your status with respect to other sections taken. Possible scores range from 0 to 99 and you must get at least a 75 to pass the section. Depending on your state board of accountancy, you may also receive a CPA Exam section performance report. Some state boards only issue these if you fail the section, others include it all the time and others don’t include one at all.

The general rule here is that if you have doubts or questions about the score reporting process, you should contact your state board of accountancy. Each state board can operate differently and may have a specific reporting process. Ultimately, the state board of accountancy will have final record of your scores and use them to determine your eligibility to obtain licensure.

We strive to offer helpful information pertaining to the release of your CPA Exam score. We realize that receiving your score is of great importance. If you still have questions, or are now preparing for the next section of the exam, we can help. Simply fill out our quick contact form and allow us to answer your questions and alleviate your concerns immediately.